Congressman Dennis Cardoza
18th Congressional District of California

WASHINGTON, DC – More than $72 million in economic stimulus funds will be allocated to infrastructure projects within the 18th Congressional District, Congressman Cardoza announced today.

In total, Merced, Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties will receive $72,123,230 of the nearly $626 million being provided statewide as an initial expenditure of the stimulus money. Since January, Congressman Cardoza has lobbied President Obama and the governor to provide much needed investments to the Central Valley.

“I am pleased to see these funds being allocated, as I requested, for shovel-ready projects in the 18th Congressional District,” said Congressman Cardoza. “I have been fighting to ensure the hardest-hit economic areas, such as the Central Valley, receive the immediate attention they deserve. I look forward to continuing to work with the Obama Administration to address the needs of the Valley. I am grateful for Governor Schwarzenegger recognizing the needs of the Central Valley.”

Merced County will receive $46 million to replace two aging bridges on Highway 99 in Merced County.

Merced and Stanislaus County will receive $1.2 million for two maintenance  projects on Highway 33 in the Dos Palos area from the Fresno County line to Route 152; and on Highway 152 between San Joaquin County and Westley.

San Joaquin County will receive $24 million for a curve realignment on Highway 4, from east of Middle River to Trapper Road.

“This is a significant first step in bringing much needed work to the hardest-hit parts of the Central Valley. As I have said before, there won’t be a single project or effort that turns around our nation’s economy. However, this is a strong step forward. I will continue to do all I can to fight to address the many pressing needs of the Central Valley.”